Whenever I am asked questions about my faith and beliefs – I always point to God’s Word as written in the Bible. But what if someone puts no confidence in the Bible?. What if my ultimate resource for proof is something they don’t believe is true?
I have often referred people to Josh McDowell’s book, “More than a Carpenter” for historical, archaeological and credible evidence that supports the belief that the Bible is not only true…but it is indeed the inspired word of God.
But today, I got an email with this brief summary that says it all in just a few simple…but profound…paragraphs.
Read on and judge for yourself.
A student was told…you must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3
different languages, written on 3 different continents. However, they must
share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message, with no
historical errors or contradictions.” I went on to say, “If you can produce
such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word
of God.” The student’s reply was almost instantaneous, he emphatically stated,
“But that’s impossible!”
It truly is impossible, for any collection of human writings. However, the Bible
passes this test. The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors,
over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no
historical errors or contradictions. The entire Bible, from Genesis
to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.
Not sure…begin reading the Bible for yourself and discover just how life-altering the truths in the Bible can be…it is not just a bunch of old-time sotries and parables…but truly the most profuond way for God to speak to us…and show us just how much he truly love us.
Why not start today?
I am impressed, I must say. Very seldom do I see a blog thats both educational and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your post is important; the matter is something that not many people are talking intelligently about.
Got an email from Scott asking what the 3 continents were on which the Bible was written…see reply below…but the bigger question is this…
Did Scott miss the point?
Opening the Bible and seeing what it has to say and how it applies to everyday life…here and now…is the real point!
Hi Scott…
The three continents from which the Biblical authors wrote where Africa, Asia, and Europe. Moses was born, raised and spent many years of his adult life in Africa. He is the author of the first five books of the Bible, commonly called the Pentateuch. The majority of the biblical authors lived their lives in the Holy Land (i.e. Israel) which of course is situated in west Asia. Paul the Apostle traveled throughout southern Europe on his missionary journeys and wrote many of his letters while in Greece or Italy. So, there you have it; Africa, Asia, and Europe. I hope this is of help.
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/The_bible_was_written_by_over_40_different_authors_they_were_from_3_different_continents_what_are_they#ixzz1bp03Ubet
For more on what we believe – let me share our Statement of Faith:
What We Believe
About God
God is the creator and ruler of the universe. There is one God, eternally existing in three co-equal persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
About Humanity
Humans are created in the spiritual image of God, to be like God in character. We are created to be in relationship with God, but we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God, called sin. This attitude separates humans from the relationship with God that we were intended to enjoy.
About Salvation through Jesus Christ
The only way to restore our relationship with God is by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, lived a sinless life on earth and voluntarily paid for our sin by dying on the cross to take our punishment. He rose from the dead and will return to earth to rule forever. We will exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally united with God by personally choosing to trust in the free gift of God’s grace offered through Jesus Christ. God’s saving grace — not our human effort — is the way to a Christ-filled eternity.
About the Holy Spirit and the Church
The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, draws sinners to Christ and equips and gifts believers for personal growth and service in the Church and in the world. The Church is the community of believers who have made Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. Through fellowship with the Holy Spirit, the Church’s role is to bring people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and serve the needs of a hurting world under the Spirit’s leadership and power.
The Bible
The Bible is God’s eternal Word to humanity. It was written by human authors under the supernatural inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth and the sole basis of our beliefs. It is the authoritative rule and guide for our lives forever.
Your site has inspired me to re think the way I write. I want to let you know I appreciate your hard work.